i certainly hope >> now california democrat barbara boxer to give a speech about the fiscal cliff from the floor of the u.s. senate. here, sit here, watch what's happening, we know that there are negotiations going on to avert at least part of the fiscal cliff. and i want to say, and i've said this privately but i'll say it publicly, that i really hope our leaders can find a way out of this. i watched the president speak today and i thought as usual, he is very fair in what he said, mr. president. what he basically said is, it's the middle class that grows this economy, it's the middle class that needs to be lifted up, it's the middle class that can't afford tax hikes, and those at the very top can do just a little bit more. ates very simple point. and i just would hope, given that everyone says they're for the middle class -- i know my colleagues on the other side of the aisle say that every day, th they agree with that. that finding this compromise will not be elusive but will come to pass. you know, i have been here for a while, and my understanding is we haven't met between christm